Faults:

Water leaks in between the passenger door seal and window. This has occurred since I owned the car.

Heated seat (drivers) stopped working.

Driver's seat is wearing badly (leather).

General Comments:

The car is quick enough for its 1.8 engine.

Nice looking Astra derivative.

Trendy looking red leather interior sets the looks off.

Would look even better with body kit.

Faults:

I know I am being a bit picky, but they are problems!

Annoying driver's side headlight problem. It always steams up when the weather conditions change and rarely clears properly. Replaced under warranty.

Poor all-round wiper blades. The rear one misses the screen altogether and the driver's side one leaves streaks of water. Replaced under warranty.

Annoying buzzing noise from the dashboard at 2500rpm when the car is cold, but disappears as the cabin warms through.

Near side rear door bolts have come loose, causing the door to make a loud 'cracking' sound when it is opened. Tightened under warranty.

An almost useless remote sensor for the central locking. It has to be activated very close to the car!

General Comments:

A very good small hatch that I prefer to a Focus (looks nicer too!).

Despite a small buzz at cold, the cabin feels very solid and reassuringly safe on any road.

The dark interior doesn't exactly raise eyebrows, but chrome door handles, three point rear head rests & arm rest brighten it up.

Handles very well and can be thrown around many tight corners under control.

An excellent 1.6 16v engine. This is my second 1.6 16v Ecotec. A strong, refined performer that doesn't need stacks of revs to make you happy. It also sounds nice at any RPM. It can do 100mph all day and still want more!

Cheaper to insure than an equivalent SXi, but has the same engine and same spec.

The only thing to let this car down is the awful Vauxhall customer service, which I have had problems with in the past with my previous car.

Faults:

Not a lot, the diesel pump is cutting out for no reason and the injectors are about to be replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

It's a van, but the same as the estate, it's very quick for a diesel and has miffed many a boy racer in XR2 and 3s, GTEs etc. Handling is spot on and one of the best dealers I've come across (Lane House Bridport).

Equipment is high for a van too - remote locking, rev counter etc.

Rlectronic throttle is very weird, but you get used to it and VERY economical: 50-60mpg average (no bull).

Faults:

Faulty windscreen washers.

Vibration through the clutch pedal resulting in a new clutch fitted.

Squeaking drivers seat.

Squeaking steering wheel.

General Comments:

A very rewarding drive, quick, sure footed and looks good!

Styling kit is a bit disappointing, Vauxhall could have done something more outrageous with its skirts and interior.

Great color in black (if you can keep it clean!)